How to organize coupons using the binder method

It can be very overwhelming when you start stockpiling. I often get asked how I organize my coupons. Organization – is the most important part to stockpiling success. If you are unorganized then you are simply not going to be able to save as much money because you won’t be able to find your coupons to cash in on the deals. If you are currently using envelopes or a shoe box you know what I mean.

I use the binder method filled with baseball card inserts. In particular I use the Coupon Clutch. I personally love this method because I can easily scan through and see very quickly what coupons I have available when I am matching and when I am shopping in the stores. I personally clip all the coupons from the inserts that I will possibly ever use (not the ones I would never use…for example pet food as we don’t have pets). The reason I clip all of my coupons is because though I may not buy a particular brand or item “normally” I would buy it if I find it free or near free.

I have my coupons divided into categories that make sense to me and I suggest you do the same. I personally have them divided by: Baking, Beverages, Breakfast, Canned, Dairy, Drugs, Frozen Foods, Heath and Beauty, Household, Fruits/Veggies, Meat, Organic, Other, Rebates and Store.

I use the Coupon Clutch because it closes shut, I can carry it on my shoulder and it is stylish… I find this the easiest way to be able to carry my coupons, shop and keep organized (plus I have dropped my binder several times in the check out process and this has become a huge life saver). I use two 3 hole zipped pouches at the front of my binder. One holds my “hot coupons” ” and the other holds my restaurant coupons. Also in my binder, I keep a calculator, small pair of scissors and the current weekly sales ads.

If you don’t clip all the coupons from the inserts it is important to keep and file the inserts (or what is left after you clip them). A helpful tip to know is that the date and name is printed in very fine print on the outside of each insert cover and file them by date.

Being organized will take time in the beginning however once you are organized it will end up saving you money in the end! I also want to add that I NEVER leave home without my binder. I take it with me in the van every time I leave the house. The one big tip I can give you is if you don’t have all of your coupons with you then you won’t be able to save money when you run across a great deal! I hope this helps you and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

You can save $5.00 off a purchase of $25.00 or more at the Coupon Clutch by using the code TAKE5

I use a regular soft tote bag with a full sized zippered notebook trapper style 3 ring binder binder and I put baseball card protector pages in it to file my coupons in with divider pages marked with the various grocery store departments. I also insert clear colored plastic pages in the front to put my sale ads in and clear zipper pouches to put my resturant and craft store discount coupons. I always keep the tote with my binder under the seat in my van and only take it into the house when I am going to work on it, then it goes by my purse so I can put it back in the car with me so I will have it where ever I am. If you don’t have the coupons when you shop you can’t use them to save money! I also have a small sissor in my notebook and will put the coupon papers I need to clip, stacked in the back of the notbook so I can use wasted time at the doctors office etc. to work on my coupon clipping and filing. When I go shopping I try to pull out as many coupons as possible that I am going to us with my list and the store sales. I put my purse in the cart and put the soft tote bag on top of that and then the unzippered binder on top so my purse is safe and I have access to more coupons if I see a good buy while I am shopping. Hope that helps someone and encourages you that if you have a system in place you can shop with coupons and save money!!

what is the best way to categorize my binder. Any insight would be much appreciated. I have clipped coupons for years but do to lack of organization I have never been able to use them to their full potential.
Thanks,
Courtney
Born again Couponer

I use the file system with all my coupons catagorized by type & date. I only cut coupons when I see what I need on sale. I am a beginner, but getting a hang of it & LOVING my savings. My question is, do you see any huge difference in doing the coupon binder & doing it the way I do it by filing my Red Plums, P&Gs, etc? It just seems like ALOT of work & time compared to just throwing it in a file.

Advice Needed – Do you organize each section by expiration dates of coupons – ones expiring sooner near top? If I do that I’m concerned that I’ll spend the time shifting the coupons up after taking out expired ones. Thanks for the help! 🙂

I just ordered my coupon clutch last night … It is a bday present to myself and I cannot wait for it to get here … I used your coupon code for $5 off and I ordered the leopard print one for a 3″ inch binder. I am hoping its not too big but I figured I would get that one since my current binder is a 2″ one and its already full with only a month of couponing …. yeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!